Before catching up with David Ortiz (30:07), Buster & Tim Kurkjian discuss the Jorge Polanco suspension, Jose Altuve's new deal and much more (6:57). Plus, the latest installment of Todd Radom's uniform trivia (41:16).

Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer

Watch Javy Baez discuss the upcoming season and his return to the lineup after missing time with a sore hamstring.

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Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer

Cubs players warm up wearing green hats with bagpipes playing in the background.

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Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer

Yu Darvish may have been a little winded after his start today as he didn't expect to run the bases. After he singled, he was doubled to third: "I'd rather walk home than run home so I'll practice that," he joked. Darvish threw 75 pitches as he continues to build up arm strength. He gave up one run in five innings.

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Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer

Somehow Joe Maddon got on this topic: "I like hyphenated last names. Like Julia Louis-Dreyfus. I wish I had been Joe Maddon-Closack or whatever. I dig the hyphenated last name. I think it should be utilized more often....I wanted my wife to hyphenate."

David Kaplan, Carmen & Jurko talk with Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks about the work he's done in spring training, facing Joey Votto and using data to pitch his best.

Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer

Cubs reliever Pedro Strop (calf) says he should be ready to get into a game next week and believes he will be ready for the regular season as well -- but understands that decision isn't up to him. He commented on how good the Cubs rotation is: "I'm pretty sure those guys are going to be throwing 7 innings every game. We're (relievers) going to be asking for innings to pitch."

Buster and Karl Ravech discuss the narratives of early 2018 including a refocused Cubs squad, a surprise MVP candidate in the AL and more (6:26). Plus, Jessica Mendoza's camp observations (28:04) and Ryan Divish with some "Inside Heat" on the Mariners (40:14).

Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer

Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney gave an update on renovations of Wrigley Field which are in its 2nd to last stage. Final touches for this off-season are ongoing as the field will be ready for play on Opening Day, April 9. Improved cell and wifi service along with 8 new concession stands are part of the improved fan experience. The dugouts will be moved 28 ft towards the foul poles to help accommodate the new 1914 Club. Next off-season the Cubs will renovate the visitor's clubhouse as well as the press box. The Cubs have applied for an all-star game and are hopeful after renovations are complete they'll be able to host the mid-summer classic.

Carmen & Jurko talk with Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer about the upcoming season, the hangover from winning the World Series and extra-innings rule changes in the minors.

Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer

Source indicates the Cubs have released pitcher Justin Grimm.

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Jesse Rogers ESPN Staff Writer

MLBPA President Tony Clark didn't reveal much about his meeting with the Cubs but says this era of players is more engaged than ever after the events of this winter. In the coming months they will examine, with agents, why what happened, happened.

The Phillies have agreed to a three-year, $75 million deal with right-hander Jake Arrieta.

Marly Rivera ESPN Writer

Dave Martínez was very complimentary of the work Miguel Montero has done in Nationals camp. Said that he got a bad rep last year with the Cubs, but that he really knows Miggy's competitive spirit and that he's been working well with his new teammates. Montero is competing for the backup catcher job in DC.

Dan Le Batard, Papi and Izzy Gutierrez question if the Warriors should rest Steph Curry until the playoffs, if the Rams are building the best team in the NFL, if Keuchel is right to throw shade at the Cubs and more.

Astros ace Dallas Keuchel says he doesn't expect the team to suffer a hangover from its World Series-winning season, adding he believes that the Astros "have better players" than the previous champion Cubs.